Next Step – Xperia™ arc

Just moments ago my colleagues announced our very first 2011 product at the Sony press pre-CES press conference in Las Vegas – The Xperia™ arc.

This being our first 2011 product it’s also where we take the step to Android Gingerbread and use two very important pieces of Sony technology to even further evolve the user experience.

Here are some wording taken from the official press release:

January 5, 2011, Las Vegas, USA –Sony Ericsson today unveils the new Xperia™ arc smartphone with cutting edge Sony technology and an exceptional multimedia experience on the latest version of the Android™ platform – 2.3. Xperia™ arc is the first of a new generation of Xperia smartphones to be announced in 2011.

Xperia™ arc takes the stunning design language that Sony Ericsson has become known for to a new level. Super slim and light, Xperia™ arc is just 8.7mm at its thinnest part and has a extra wide 4.2” multi-touch screen. Created from premium materials and with a stunning arc body, this smartphone is sleek, strong and designed to fit perfectly in the user’s hand. The best of Sony technology is inside Xperia™ arc. The Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine delivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image which enhances the overall entertainment experience. Furthermore, Sony’s award-winning Exmor R™ for mobile sensor with the f/2.4 lens enables the capture of high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light. All pictures and videos can be shared in HD on your living room TV via the built in HDMI-connector.

Xperia™ arc will launch on the latest version of the Android™ platform providing access to Google Mobile Services and the myriad of applications available on the Android market. Xperia™ smartphones add best in class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as apps, maps, email and fast Internet to create the most entertaining smartphone experience.

The full press-release and related material can be found in our Press Room.

I’ve been trying it out for a while now and I must say that even though I have an early software with not all features enabled yet it feels really good. The camera is just amazing – the combination of the increased sensitivity gained by the Exmor R™ for mobile sensor and the increased f/2.4 aperture of the lens really makes it possible to shoot pics in low light that earlier wasn’t even possible. Also the speed when taking subsequent pictures is hugely improved compared to our earlier phones.

What first struck me when I got it in my hands was of course the amazing slimness, it measures only 8.7 mm at its “waist” and the curved back side really gives a special feel to it. The next thing people who have tried it often notice is the extreme lightness for such a large phone with a 4.2 inch display. At 117 grams it really feels light but somehow does so keeping a very premium feel to it.

It will be available in most markets from late Q1 to Q2 this year and I will be here on the blog to bring you more information and try to answer any questions you might have.

With the press release there are also some videos showing off what the added technology from Sony does and also one showing off the beautiful design. I have added them below – Enjoy!